Being a Solahma unit, the Iron Guards only received minimum equipment, and consisted mainly of conventional infantry in 3054. Galaxy CommanderBenjamin Howell regarded this as absolutely inadequate, especially as it was one of the two galaxies defending Huntress. As KhanLincoln Osis was unwilling to help, and virtually all new material was needed to refresh the front-line units, Benjamin Howell set up an illegal scheme: he made connections with the scientist caste and was able to bolster his troops with Star League-Mechs, Clan-Mech prototypes and Inner Sphere-Mechs (originally designated to be studied by the scientist caste). He even single handedly ordered the creation of additional sibkos and weapon research programs. [2] For these actions, he was later executed, but the Iron Guards remained upgraded.[3] When Russou Howell took command he also sought ways to improve the assets of the Galaxy, albeit in a slightly less underhand way. [4]

On 12th March 3060 the Galaxy engaged the assault troops of Task Force Serpent as they landed and pushed for their objectives. It was involved in three key battles in the opening stages of the campaign:

The Iron Guards are referred to as Zeta Galaxy in 3058. [8][9] However, Zeta Galaxy was in the Inner Sphere in 3051[10] and still there in 3059. [11]

In the computer game MechWarrior 2: Ghost Bear's Legacy, Clan Wolf raids a Smoke Jaguar freighter carrying isorla DCMS Mechs in February 3058, these are presumable bound for Huntress to supply the Galaxies there.